A respected American professor and IT expert will help spearhead a world-leading computer department’s new research strategy.
Dan Farkas from Pace University in New York has joined Glyndŵr University as a Visiting Professor.
Specialising in environmental science, telecommunications, network security and internet technology, he is also chairman of the Westchester University’s Information Systems Department.
His appointment was welcomed by Dr Rich Picking, a Computing lecturer at the Wrexham institution.
“We are delighted to announce that Professor Dan Farkas has joined the University,” said Dr Picking, a Reader in Human-Computer Interaction.
“Professor Farkas has developed a close relationship with Glyndŵr University over the past 10 years as a key member of the International Conference on Internet Technologies and Applications (ITA) programme committee and as a regular contributor in the form of publications, workshops, tutorials and event organising.
“He will be now be involved in the University’s research and development strategy for Computing and will help with joint research bids, as well as providing support in developing into new areas (both geographically and academically) and joining the CARDS (Creative and Applied Research for the Digital Society) research centre on its postgraduate student supervision team.”
Professor Farkas has been involved in computing, technology and education for the past 25 years.
His early experience was as a systems programmer on IBM mainframe computers in the financial industry gaining expertise in a spectrum of operating environments, before devoting his energy to smaller systems, becoming involved with the automation of foreign exchange operations and trading.
Later, as a consultant, he was part of the original team which developed the technology plan for a new Chemical Bank in Delaware.
“It is a great pleasure to be honoured as a Visiting Professor of Computing at Glyndŵr University,” said Professor Farkas.
“In particular, my interests in computer networking and interdisciplinary spatial analytics will greatly benefit from this new relationship.
“Having worked with faculty and staff on the ITA conferences over the years I’m looking forward to further collaboration in the areas of computing research, curriculum and other projects.”
Glyndŵr University recently reported how Vic Grout, Professor of Computing Futures, was recognised for his work in raising the standard of computer science in Welsh high schools.
Professor Grout has been preparing teachers and pupils across the region for the imminent radical revamp of the GCSE IT curriculum, and set up a pioneering hub for the Computing at School (CAS) organisation in North Wales.
He was awarded a certificate of recognition by the British Computer Society, and said: “It was an honour to be recognised by CAS and we will continue to work hard to bring students in North Wales up to speed with technological advances in IT, so that they stay ahead of the rest of the UK.”
